Aviva Premiership preview: Saracens v Leicester Tigers
This weekend, they really have saved the best match until last. Saracens v Leicester Tigers – Aviva Premiership fixtures don’t come much bigger.
In fact, the last time that the two clubs met was in front of an 81,000-strong crowd at Twickenham for the 2009/10 Premiership play-off final. Dan Hipkiss’s 76th-minute try broke the hearts of thousands of Saracens supporters packed inside HQ as Leicester lifted their ninth championship trophy.
Although a victory on Sunday afternoon wouldn’t eradicate the memories of May 29th, it would certainly go a long way to suggesting they have what it takes to go that one, crucial step further this season.
With three wins from their opening four matches, the Sarries are already beginning to show that last season wasn’t a fluke. Brendan Venter’s side got off to a shaky start against London Irish on the opening day of the campaign, but since then the play-off finalists have rediscovered their winning touch.
For their opponents, it’s been an unusually poor start. The Tigers’ 48-6 demolition of Leeds Carnegie last weekend was little more than a formality and was only the champions’ second win of the campaign.
At Welford Road, Richard Cockerill’s side have been typically ruthless with two convincing victories. It’s been on the road where they’ve slipped up on both occasions this season. But can they really turn their fortunes away at one of the most hostile away grounds in the league?
If recent meetings are anything to go by, Leicester stand a decent chance. With two victories on their last two visits to Vicarage Road, the champions won’t be fazed by the prospect of travelling to Watford and coming away with maximum points.
However, Saracens have matured over the past 12 months and now have the look and feel of a team comfortable with launching a title challenge. During the first few months of last season, the club appeared destined for top spot, only to eventually capitulate after Christmas. But now they will relish the prospect of battling with Leicester.
Saracens might not get their opportunity to properly inflict revenge on the Tigers until the end of the season, but they could well give their opponents a taste of things to come this Sunday.
Prediction: Saracens to win by five-10 points.
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